HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 03-09-2006MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
March 9, 2006
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PRESENT: Commissioners Krahulec, Singer, Aamoth, Rezabek, Griwac, and
Mohagen; staff Blank and Evans; Councilmember Slavik
ABSENT: Commissioners Fiemann, Davis, and Pederson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Singer called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Rezabek moved and Krahulec seconded a motion to approve the February 2006
minutes. Motion carried, all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting.
b. Staff. Evans talked about the February 22 Bike Roundtable. She indicated that
the meeting was a great success! Sixty-five community members attended the
session and provided us with great comments and suggestions for future bike
friendly enhancements. Evans handed out survey results and meeting notes.
Evans also said that they are compiling information that was obtained from park
maps that were provided to each participant.
Evans also talked about the National Recreation and Parks Associations new
program to encourage healthy lifestyles and community livability. The program
focuses on the leadership of park and recreation departments across the
country to act as a catalyst and facilitator for promoting healthy and active
initiatives. Evans indicated that our department is involved in this initiative. Our
first step will be to highlight healthy programs in the summer "Leisure Times."
Our healthy initiative will be called "Be active!" J
c. Others. There were no other presentations.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Approve Ice Center tile in lobby. Blank said the Council approved the tile for the
lobby. The tile should be ordered and in place in approximately six to eight
weeks. Krahulec asked about the kick plate that was previously requested by
Rezabek. Eric was unsure of the status and will check on it.
b. Accepted PRAC 2005 annual report and 2006 work plan. Blank said the
Council approved the report.
PRAC Minutes/March 2006
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Singer commented about the walking/jogging survey for the fieldhouse. Blank
indicated that this report gives us a good look at who is using the facility and
how popular it has become. The number of users compared to last year has
increased.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Update on comp plan and bike forum. Blank indicated that city staff and the City
Council have been working on the Comp Plan. There is a Planning Commis-
sion/City Council land use meeting tonight that starts at 7 p.m. Additional
meeting to follow includes neighborhood informational meetings on May 1St
and
May 2nd. Blank went on to indicate that sometime in June the City Council will
have preliminary land use recommendations in place. Blank also indicated that
BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota has announced several grant opportunities
focused on Active & Healthy Communities Design programs that are tied to the
Comprehensive Plan process that we may apply for.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Begin review of park ordinances. Blank stated that the information provided
tonight is intended to give commission members a taste of ordinance
information from other communities. We really do not have a problem right now
with our current ordinances; however it is good to regularly make sure we are
up to date with trends and the changing needs of the community. As an
example the fire ordinance is one of the ordinances that may need to be
updated. Another example is the noise ordinance. Blank indicated that noise is
covered in other sections of the City ordinance book and maybe needs a little
more attention in the parks section. Model rockets is the other ordinance that
may need some attention. Environmental ordinance and overnight events in the
parks are two other areas that could be explored. Again, Blank indicated that
we really have not had any problems with our ordinances, but a regular review
would be beneficial. The commission would make recommendations and the
City Attorney would actually write any new ordinances.
Singer questioned the need for ordinances connected with rollerblading. Blank
responded that we do receive a lot of damage from rollerblades on picnic
tables, on our concrete curbing at the Ice Center and other places. Singer
thought that this ordinance might be partially covered in other areas. Blank
indicated that we did find a bike lane ordinance that identifies specific streets in
town that are designated bike routes. Singer asked if we have ordinances about
landing areas for airplanes. Blank responded that the City has an ordinance in
place that deals with both airplanes and helicopters. Singer commented about a
restitution ordinance that another community is using. Blank responded that we
typically rely on the court system to make recommendations regarding this
issue. Krahulec indicated that he was having a hard time with the model rockets
ordinance. Krahulec questioned how it would be utilized. Blank responded that
we would designate specific locations where it would be safe. Rezabek agreed
PRAC Minutes/March 2006
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that he was not sure about the appropriateness of the model rockets ordinance.
Aamodt questioned whether it was illegal to do something without an ordinance
in place and requested clarification from the City Attorney. Blank will bring back
information on this at one of our next meetings.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Singer noticed that there was a proposed development sign around Plymouth
Middle School. Singer also reminded commissioners that tonight is the joint
meeting with the City Council and the Planning Commission regarding the
Comprehensive Plan. Aamodt asked if we would be seeing a report on the
financial plan for the park plan before it goes to the City Council. Blank indicated
that this information would be shared with this commission prior to the City Council.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Monday, April 10, will be our next meeting. Nancy will send out a reminder of the
date change. Blank indicated that at our next meeting you will most likely see
information on an increase in Ice Center fees.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.